Waggott, Joseph (1848-1922)

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1911
Primitive Methodist Magazine 1911

Early years

Joseph was born on 23 December 1848 at Chester le Street, Co Durham.

Joseph lived with his grandparents, who were adherents of the Wesleyan Church, during his early years. His grandfather, David Waggott, a tailor, was a book lover and interested himself in the education of his grandson.

The family moved to West Pelton, where Joseph came into contact with the Primitive Methodists. During one of the great revivals in the village, Joseph was converted and became a member of the Primitive Methodist Church. Shortly after his conversion, Joseph was called to the work of preaching, firstly accompanying Mr George Potts. As a local preacher, Joseph’s services were in great request, especially at anniversaries.

Joseph worked as a coalminer before entering the ministry.

Ministry

His obituary records that as a preacher, he was vigorous and racy, but always keeping in view the responsibilities of his charge and the reasons for the advice given seemed to dominate his pulpit service. Joseph found pastoral visiting no cross but a delight, and always was at the service of his people. In administration, he was careful and considerate, but firm and reliable, and never allowed opportunities for development slip by unused.

In the middle of his active ministry, Joseph suffered with rheumatoid arthritis and had to temporarily give up the work. He recovered sufficiently to resume until 1912 when he had to seek somewhat premature superannuation. Joseph settled in Mansfield, where he was appointed Chaplain to the Guardians’ Institution, a position he held until his death.

Joseph was particularly interested in the literature of poets. His knowledge of Shakespeare, Burns and Scott was remarkable.

Family

Joseph married Margaret Ann Trotter (1853-1925) in the spring of 1872 at Chester le Street, Co Durham. Census returns identify nine children.

  • Robert (1872-1889)
  • Edmund (1874-1942) – a draper (shop assistant) (1911)
  • Hannah (1876-1892)
  • Florence (1879-1927) – a dressmaker (1901)
  • Maggie (1881-1892)
  • Joseph Ernest (b1883)
  • Gladstone (b1887) – a draper’s window dresser (1911)
  • Granville (1893-1971) – a printer (1922); travelled to South Africa in 1920
  • Ewart Beecher (1893-1958) – a watchmaker (1922)
  • Raymond Leslie (b1895) – travelled to India in 1920

Joseph died on 11 July 1922 at Mansfield, Nottinghamshire.

Circuits

  • 1875 Richmond
  • 1877 Bungay
  • 1878 Kelsale
  • 1879 Lincoln I
  • 1881 Mansfield
  • 1885 Nottingham III
  • 1889 Guisborough
  • 1894 Kidderminster
  • 1895 Presteign
  • 1897 Weobly
  • 1899 Clitheroe
  • 1907 Sutton & Kirby
  • 1912 Settle (Sup)

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1911/675; 1923/658

PM Minutes 1923/256

W Leary, Directory of Primitive Methodist Ministers and their Circuits, 1990

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

 

Comments about this page

  • Family: Gladstone emigrated to southern Africa, while Granville (my grandfather) lived in Mansfield until his death.

    By John Waggott (26/11/2014)

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